Vehicle covering apparatus

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for raising and lowering a vehicle cover is provided. The apparatus includes a flexible member having a first end and a second end, the flexible member configured to flex so that, with the first end positioned adjacent to a vehicle and the second and positioned generally higher than the vehicle, the second end raises the vehicle cover up from the vehicle and lowers the vehicle cover down towards the vehicle. The second end of the flexible member is configured to retain the vehicle cover.

BACKGROUND

Many people use car covers to protect their automobiles from theweather. A vehicle cover can protect a vehicle's paint from early fadingand peeling as result from long sun exposure, and can protect a vehiclefrom early rusting by shedding some, most or all of the rainwater thatfalls on the vehicle during a storm. Yet, removing a vehicle cover froma vehicle and deploying a vehicle cover onto a vehicle are unwieldyoperations. Once a vehicle cover is removed from the vehicle, there is aneed for storage of the vehicle cover. Storing the vehicle cover in thevehicle trunk or elsewhere in the vehicle takes up needed vehicle space.Rolling up the vehicle cover and stowing it in a corner of a driveway istime-consuming and runs the risk that the vehicle cover will be run overby a vehicle, trampled, tripped over, blown away by wind, chewed on byan animal, etc. A vehicle cover stowed on the ground also gathers dirt,standing water, mud, etc. Unless the vehicle cover has been neatlyrolled up, putting the vehicle cover back onto the vehicle can betime-consuming and frustrating. Therefore, there is a need in the artfor a solution which overcomes the drawbacks described above.

SUMMARY

In some embodiments, a vehicle covering apparatus is provided. Theapparatus includes a support member having a first end and a second end,the support member having a first position and a second position,wherein the second end is more displaced from a linear alignment withthe first end when the support member is in the second position thanwhen the support member is in the first position, and wherein the secondend is farther from the first end when the support member is in thefirst position than when the support member is in the second position.The support member is configured to install with the first end of thesupport member adjacent to a vehicle, wherein the second end of thesupport member is generally centered over the vehicle when the supportmember is in the second position. The second end of the support memberis configured to support a vehicle cover with the second end of thesupport member at a higher elevation than the vehicle cover. The supportmember is configured to lower the vehicle cover as the support member isoperated from the first position to the second position, and to raisethe vehicle cover as the support member is operated from the secondposition to the first position.

In some embodiments, an apparatus for raising and lowering a vehiclecover is provided. The apparatus includes a flexible member having afirst end and a second end, the flexible member configured to flex sothat, with the first end positioned adjacent to a vehicle and the secondand positioned generally higher than the vehicle, the second end raisesthe vehicle cover up from the vehicle and lowers the vehicle cover downtowards the vehicle. The second end of the flexible member is configuredto retain the vehicle cover.

Other aspects and advantages of the embodiments will become apparentfrom the following detailed description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, theprinciples of the described embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The described embodiments and the advantages thereof may best beunderstood by reference to the following description taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings. These drawings in no waylimit any changes in form and detail that may be made to the describedembodiments by one skilled in the art without departing from the spiritand scope of the described embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle covering apparatus inaccordance with embodiments described herein.

FIG. 2 is a close-up perspective view of operating features of oneembodiment of the vehicle covering apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the vehiclecovering apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the vehiclecovering apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the vehiclecovering apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of variations of a flexible member as usedin the vehicle covering apparatus of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a further variation of the flexiblemember as used in the vehicle covering apparatus of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7B is a perspective view showing flexing action of a portion of theflexible member of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a further variation of the vehiclecovering apparatus of FIG. 1, with a housing.

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a variety of bases suitable for usewith embodiments of the vehicle covering apparatus.

FIG. 9B is a perspective view of a further base suitable for use withembodiments of the vehicle covering apparatus.

FIG. 10A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a cover retainersuitable for use with embodiments of the vehicle covering apparatus.

FIG. 10B is a cross-section view of the cover retainer of FIG. 10A.

FIG. 10C is a perspective view of the cover retainer of FIG. 10A, with amagnet base separated from a top plate.

FIG. 10D is a cross-section view of a variation of the cover retainer ofFIG. 10A.

FIG. 11A is a further embodiment of a cover retainer suitable for usewith embodiments of the vehicle covering apparatus.

FIG. 11B is a cross-section view of the cover retainer of FIG. 11A.

FIG. 12A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a securing member,which can be applied to gather and secure portions of a vehicle cover inembodiments of the vehicle covering apparatus.

FIG. 12B is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the securingmember, shown gathering and securing a vehicle cover.

FIG. 12C is a perspective view of the securing member of FIG. 12B,showing aspects of an operating feature.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A vehicle covering apparatus provides solutions to many of the problemsdescribed above. The vehicle covering apparatus raises a vehicle coverup from or off of a vehicle, and lowers the vehicle cover towards, downto or down onto a vehicle. Some versions of the vehicle coveringapparatus secure, or even gather and secure, the vehicle cover. Variousfeatures and operating mechanisms described herein can be applied invarious combinations to embodiments of the vehicle covering apparatus.

Detailed illustrative embodiments are disclosed herein. However,specific functional details disclosed herein are merely representativefor purposes of describing embodiments. Embodiments may, however, beembodied in many alternate forms and should not be construed as limitedto only the embodiments set forth herein.

It should be understood that although the terms first, second, etc. maybe used herein to describe various steps or calculations, these steps orcalculations should not be limited by these terms. These terms are onlyused to distinguish one step or calculation from another. For example, afirst calculation could be termed a second calculation, and, similarly,a second step could be termed a first step, without departing from thescope of this disclosure. As used herein, the term “and/or” and the “/”symbol includes any and all combinations of one or more of theassociated listed items.

As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”,“comprising”, “includes”, and/or “including”, when used herein, specifythe presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements,and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of oneor more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements,components, and/or groups thereof. Therefore, the terminology usedherein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only andis not intended to be limiting.

It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, thefunctions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures.For example, two figures shown in succession may in fact be executedsubstantially concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverseorder, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle covering apparatus inaccordance with embodiments described herein. A vehicle, in thisillustration an automobile, is shown covered by a vehicle cover 102, inthis illustration a car cover. An embodiment of the vehicle coveringapparatus is shown in FIG. 1 as having two positions, with a two-headedarrow showing available motions of one end of a support member. In thisembodiment, the support member includes a stationary member 106, affixedto a base 108, and a movable member 104, which is pivotably attached atone end to the stationary member 106. Other embodiments have fewer oradditional members included in a support member.

Here, the support member represented by the movable member 104 and thestationary member 106 is depicted in a first position with the vehiclecover 102 lifted off the vehicle, and is depicted in a second positionwith the vehicle cover 102 covering the vehicle. The support member 104,106 can move freely between the first position and the second positionand vice versa. The support member 104, 106 lowers the vehicle cover asthe support member is operated from the first position to the secondposition, and raises the vehicle cover as the support member is operatedfrom the second position to the first position.

A first end of the support member 104, 106 is configured to installadjacent to the vehicle. In this example, the first end of the supportmember 104, 106 is a bottom end of the stationary member 106, andinserting the stationary member 106 into the base 108 anchors thestationary member 106. Placing the base next to the vehicle installs thefirst end of the support member 104, 106 adjacent to the vehicle. Othermechanisms for anchoring the first end of the support member 104, 106could be employed, such as installing the first end into concrete,asphalt or the ground.

A second end of the support member 104, 106 is configured to support thevehicle cover with the second end of the support member at a higherelevation than the vehicle cover 102. In this example, the second end ofthe support member 104, 106 is a top end of the movable member 104,which attaches to an attachment region of the vehicle cover 102 by wayof a cord 110. The cord 110 could be a string, a rope, a chain, anelastic member, a belt, or other flexible extension, as could othercords in this disclosure. The second end of the support member 104, 106remains generally above the vehicle during operation, so that the secondend of the support member 104, 106 can raise and lower the vehicle cover102.

The second end of the support member 104, 106 is more displaced from alinear alignment with the first end of the support member 104, 106 whenthe support member is in the second position than when the supportmember is in the first position. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, thisis so because the movable member 104 and stationary member 106 areapproximately linearly aligned in the first position, and the movablemember 104 is angularly rotated relative to the stationary member 106,in the second position. In further embodiments, the movable member 104and stationary member 106 could be at an angle with one another in thefirst position, with this angle increasing during the transition to thesecond position.

The second end of the support member 104, 106 is farther from the firstend of the support member 104, 106 when the support member is in thefirst position than when the support member is in the second position.In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, this is so because the support memberstraightens out, or becomes less angular, in the transition from thesecond position to the first position. In further embodiments, thesupport member could retain an angular relationship between the movablemember 104 and the stationary member 106 in the first position.

A handle 112 is shown alongside the stationary member 106 in FIG. 1. Invarious embodiments, pulling on the handle could raise the movablemember 104, raise the vehicle cover 102, or pull on and lower a securingmember 114, as will be further described below. In other embodiments,the securing member 114 could be attached to the stationary member 106and fasten around a gathered vehicle cover 102, for example by use ofhook and loop fasteners or snaps etc. In still further embodiments, acrank, an electric motor or other mechanism is employed to operate themovable member 104 relative to the stationary member 106 or operatevariations of the support member. It should be appreciated that many andvaried handles are available for use in this and other embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a close-up perspective view of operating features of oneembodiment of the vehicle covering apparatus. A first end of the movablemember 104 is attached at a pivot 210 to a second end of the stationarymember 106. The pivot 210 could include a hinge, a bearing, a pin orother known mechanism allowing two members to pivot relative to oneanother. The second end of the movable member 104 has a first eyelet 208on a top side of the movable member 104 and a second eyelet 218 on abottom side of the movable member 104. A third eyelet 206 is located ona portion of the stationary member 106 so as to afford leverage on thesecond end of the movable number 104 relative to the pivot 210. A fourtheyelet 216 is located on a portion of the stationary member 106 so as toafford leverage in lifting the vehicle cover 102. In furtherembodiments, the eyelets could be replaced by other devices allowingsecuring or operation of other types of mechanisms for pivoting orraising or lowering the second end of the movable member 104 or raisingor lowering a vehicle cover 102.

A first cord 204 slides through the third eyelet 206 and is attached tothe first eyelet 208. Pulling, or otherwise applying tension to, thefirst cord 204, as by pulling on a handle 202 attached to the first cord204, applies tension to the first eyelet 208, which lifts the second endof the movable member 104 and rotates the movable number 104 towards amore linear alignment with the stationary member 106. In furtherembodiments, tension could be applied to the first cord 204 by a crankor a motor, or other tensioning member. In still further embodiments,the cord 204 could be replaced by or augmented by a spring. In yetfurther embodiments, the movable member 104 could be operated by gearsor one or more levers, or a counterweight.

A second cord 214 slide through the fourth eyelet 216 and the secondeyelet 218, and is attached at an attachment region to the vehicle cover102. Pulling, or otherwise applying tension to, the second cord 214, asby pulling on the handle 212 attached to the second cord 214, applies alifting force to the vehicle cover 102. It is readily observed that thevehicle cover 102 can be lifted by either or both of the cords 204, 214,or by related mechanisms in further embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the vehiclecovering apparatus of FIG. 1. In this embodiment, a first movable member304 is slidably and pivotably attached to a stationary member 306. Asecond movable member 308 is pivotably attached to both the stationarymember 306 and the first movable member 304. A cord 214 with a handle212 raises and lowers a car cover in a manner similar to the second cord214 of FIG. 2. The cord 214 passes through a loop 320, which could be anenlarged eyelet, and an eyelet 218, with the loop 320 attached to thefirst movable member 304 at a first end, and the eyelet 218 attached tothe movable member 304 at a second end. It should be appreciated thatextensions could be added to any of the members without changing theessential operation thereof.

In FIG. 3, the first movable member 304 has a sliding collar 312attached to the first end of the first movable member 304. The slidingcollar slides up and down on the stationary member 306, while themovable member 304 rotates relative to the sliding collar 312 at a pivot314 attaching the movable member 304 to the sliding collar 312. Thefirst movable member 304 pivots relative to the second movable member308, which is pivotably attached to the first movable member 304 at alocation between the first end and the second end of the movable member304. The second movable member 308 is pivotably attached to the secondend of the stationary member 306 at a pivot of an end cap 310. The endcap 310 is attached to the second end of the stationary member 306.

By grasping a handle 328 attached to the sliding collar 312, a user canpush upward or downward on the sliding collar 312. Pushing upward on thesliding collar 312, as by the handle 328 or other mechanism in furtherembodiments, pushes upward on the first end of the first movable member304, resulting in the first movable member 304 tilting away from thestationary member 306 and the second end of the first movable member 304moving away from linear alignment with the first stationary member 306.Pushing downward on the sliding collar 312 pushes downward on the firstend of the first movable member 304, resulting in the first movablemember 304 tilting towards the stationary member 306 and the second endof the first movable member 304 moving towards linear alignment with thefirst stationary member 306. Thus, the car cover can be lifted bypushing downward on the sliding collar 312 or by applying tension to thecord 214. The car cover can be lowered by pushing upward on the slidingcollar 312 or by decreasing tension on the cord 214, i.e. releasing thecord 214 from tension. FIG. 3 shows the support member 304, 308, 306 ina second position, as when the car cover is lowered. A first position,with the first movable member in a more upright stance, is readilyenvisioned.

The first end of the stationary member 306 is attached to a base thatincludes multiple horizontal members 324 extending perpendicularly fromthe first end of the stationary member 306. Weights 326 are fitted tothe horizontal members 324 so as to provide a weighted base. In thisembodiment, the weighted base has sufficient extent, i.e. the lengths ofthe horizontal members 324, and sufficient weight, i.e. the weight ofthe weights 326, so as to support the support member 304, 308, 306 inboth the first position and the second position.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the vehiclecovering apparatus of FIG. 1. As in the embodiments of FIGS. 1-3, thisversion has a generally upright stationary member 406, which is fixed ata first end to a base. This base has horizontal members 418 and weights422. Here, a first movable member 404 pivots relative to the stationarymember 406, and also slides relative to the stationary member 406. Thefirst movable member 404 slides through a pivoting slide collar 408,which pivots at the second end of the stationary member 406. The firstmovable member 404 pivots at a pivot 410 attached to a second end of asecond movable member 412. The first end of the first movable member 404is attached to the pivot 410 and thereby to the second end of the secondmovable member 412. The second end of the first movable member 404 actsas the second end of the support member represented by the first movablemember 404, the second movable member 412 and the stationary member 406.The first end of the second movable member 412 slides upward anddownward on the stationary member 406, using a slide collar 420. Thevehicle covering apparatus is shown in FIG. 4 approximately midwaybetween a first position and a second position. Raising the slide collar420 extends the second end of the first movable member 404 further fromthe pivoting slide collar 408 and rotates the first movable member 404further away from a linear alignment with the stationary member 406.Lowering the slide collar 420 retracts the second end of the firstmovable member 404 closer to the pivoting slide collar 408 and rotatesthe first movable member 404 closer to linear alignment with thestationary member 406. In the embodiment shown, the first movable member404 has a gentle curvature, while further embodiments could employ astraight section in the first movable member 404.

A handle 414 operates a cord 416 so as to raise and lower the vehiclecover 102 in a manner similar to that of other embodiments. The cord 416passes through one or more eyelets 218, and is attached at one end tothe vehicle cover 102. The vehicle cover 102 can thus be raised bylowering the slide collar 420 or applying tension to the cord 416, orboth. It should be appreciated that various mechanisms employing gears,motors, springs etc. could be applied towards the above-described tasks.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the vehiclecovering apparatus of FIG. 1. This embodiment features a flexible member502 acting as the support member, so that no hinges, pivot pins or othermechanisms allowing one member to pivot relative to another member areneeded in the support member itself. The first end 504 of the flexiblemember 502 is positioned adjacent to the vehicle. For example, the firstend 504 could be buried in the ground or in concrete, or could use abase of some sort. The second end 506 of the flexible member 502 ispositioned generally higher than the vehicle, so that the second end 506can raise the vehicle cover up from the vehicle and lower the vehiclecover down towards the vehicle. The second end 506 of the flexiblemember 502 has an attachment mechanism configured to attach to thevehicle cover. In this example, the attachment mechanism includes a cord516 attached to an attachment region of the vehicle cover 102. Thevehicle covering apparatus is shown in FIG. 5 in a second position. Theflexible member 502 curves more as the second end 506 lowers the vehiclecover down towards the vehicle, and curves less as the second end 506raises the vehicle cover up from the vehicle. Thus, the second positionevinces a greater curvature of the flexible member 502 than does thefirst position.

Embodiments of the vehicle covering apparatus employing a flexiblemember as the support member, as shown in FIGS. 5-8, share somecharacteristics with the vehicle covering apparatus of FIG. 1.Particularly, both types have a first position and a second position,and the support member can lower the vehicle cover ks the support memberis operated from the first position to the second position. The supportmember can raise the vehicle cover as the support member is operatedfrom the second position to the first position. The second end of thesupport member is more displaced from a linear alignment with the firstend of the support member when the support member is in the secondposition than when the support member is in the first position. Thesecond end of the support member is farther from the first end of thesupport member when the support member is in the first position thanwhen the support member is in the second position. The generalinstallation and positioning of the first and second ends relative tothe vehicle are similar as well.

Continuing with the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, a cord 514 has a handle508 at a first end, and passes through eyelets 510 attached to theflexible member 502. In one embodiment, the cord 514 is attached to aneyelet 518 or other securing device at the second end 506 of theflexible member 502. Pulling on the handle 508, or otherwise applyingtension to the cord 514 as by a crank or a motor, acts to decrease thecurvature of the flexible member 502 and move the vehicle coveringapparatus of FIG. 5 from the second position towards or to the firstposition.

In a further embodiment, the cord 514 passes through an eyelet 518 andis attached to the cord 516. For example, the cord 514 and the cord 516could be segments of a single cord, or could be tied together. Pullingon the handle 508, or otherwise applying tension to the cord 514, raisesthe vehicle cover 102 by decreasing the amount of cord 516 between aneyelet 512 and an attachment region of the vehicle cover 102, or bydecreasing the curvature of the flexible member 502, or both. Forexample, the car cover could be drawn upwards towards the eyelet 512,and upon reaching the eyelet 512, the curvature of the flexible member502 could decrease. Or, the curvature of the flexible member 502 coulddecrease first, followed by decreasing the amount of cord 516 betweenthe eyelet 512 and the attachment region of the vehicle cover 102. Theseactions could even be simultaneous. A securing member 520 is attached tothe flexible member 502, for securing the vehicle cover 102 in a mannersimilar to that previously described.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of variations of a flexible member 502 asused in the vehicle covering apparatus of FIG. 5. A flexible member 502is shown in a first position, in which the flexible member 502 isgenerally upright and linearly aligned. In variations, the flexiblemember 502 could have some curvature in the first position, although notas much as in the second position. The vehicle cover 102 is secured bythe securing member 520.

In various embodiments, the flexible member 502 can have an ovalcross-section 610 at the first end or base end, and a smaller ovalcross-section 608 at the second end or top end, or could have a roundedrectangular cross-section 612, or an elliptical cross-section 618, etc.One embodiment of a flexible member 614 has a constant width andthickness from bottom to top or from one end to the other end. Oneembodiment of a flexible member 616 has a generally linear taper from alarger first end to a smaller second end. One embodiment of a flexiblemember 620 has a concave taper from a larger first end to a smallersecond end. A convex taper could also be used. The flexible member 620is shown twice, once in a first position, and once flexing, i.e.,bending back and forth. Selection of whether or not to apply a taper toa flexible member, and what type of taper to apply, may be interrelatedwith material choice and overall dimensions of the flexible member, inthat all of these criteria affect the flexing of the device.

In a detail view, an eyelet 604 is shown at the second end 506 of aflexible member. The eyelet allows a cord 606 to pass through. In thisembodiment, the flexible member is hollow, although further embodimentscan be solid, composite, or built up. The flexible member could includea flat spring or even a leaf spring, in various embodiments.

One characteristic that the embodiments of FIGS. 5 and 6 share is thatthe flexible member curves more as the second end lowers the vehiclecover down towards the vehicle, and curves last as the second end raisesthe vehicle cover up from the vehicle. This is so because theembodiments of FIGS. 5 and 6 have generally a single curve with a singledirection of curvature from the first end to the second end, and thissingle curve is generally a circular or elliptical arc. The single curveis consistently concave when viewed from the vehicle side of theflexible member, in the embodiments of FIGS. 5 and 6. This single curvecould be modified to increase or decrease amount of curvature insections in variations. In further variations, however, the flexiblemember could have an S curve, a wavy curve, or straight sections joinedby one or more curves, and so on.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a further variation of the flexiblemember 502 as used in the vehicle covering apparatus of FIG. 5. Here,the flexible member 702 acts as a support member having a first end 704and a second and 706. The flexible member 702 has a thin shell withcompound curvature, and could be formed using spring steel, plastic,fiberglass, composite material, or other material having the capabilityof flexing and returning repeatedly, as could other variations offlexible members. As shown, a front side of the flexible member 702 hasa concave curvature, and the main body of the flexible member 702 has aconcave taper from a larger first end 704 to a smaller second end 706.The second end 706 of the flexible member 702 supports and lifts thevehicle cover 102.

FIG. 7B is a perspective view showing flexing action of a portion of theflexible member 702 of FIG. 7A. The flexing action resembles that of ametal tape measure of the type made of spring steel that reels into ahousing. The familiar tape measure extends in a straight line and has abowed or curved cross-section. The tape measure resists back-flexingtowards the convex side of the tape measure, but flexes easily towardsthe concave side of the tape measure, and snaps back into a straightline when released. Similar to this action, the second end 706 of theflexible member 702 can be displaced from approximate linear alignmentwith the remainder of the flexible member 702, and will snap back intoplace when released.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a further variation of the vehiclecovering apparatus of FIG. 1, with a housing 812. The housing 812 couldhave a vehicle logo, a manufacturer's logo, a personalized name of anowner, advertising or other symbol or message on an outside or insidesurface. Lighting of various types could be installed in or on thehousing 812. The housing 812 has an open front 816. In the embodimentshown, the housing 812 has a base 814, which can be weighted. A firstend 820 of a flexible member 806 is retained inside the housing 812. Thesecond end 808 of the flexible member 806 moves into and out of the openfront 816 of the housing 812.

Similar to other embodiments of the vehicle covering apparatus, thevehicle cover 102 can be raised or lowered by the second end 808 of theflexible member 806 or other support member in variations. In variousembodiments, a raising mechanism applies tension to the second end of atensioning member, such as a cord 810, so as to raise the vehicle cover102 up from the vehicle. A raising mechanism could include a crank, apull handle, a spring, a lever, or a counterweight etc. Here, apull-cord 810 is attached at one end to the second end 808 of theflexible member 806 and has a handle 818 at the other end of thepull-cord 810. The pull-cord 810 passes through an aperture 816positioned at a backside of the housing 812. Applying tension to thepull-cord 810, as by pulling on the handle 818 or by application of acrank, a motor or other mechanism, acts to decrease curvature of theflexible member 806 and pull the second end 808 of the flexible member806 towards or into the interior of the housing 812. A cord 804 can be aseparate piece of cord anchored to the second end 808 of the flexiblemember 806 in one embodiment, or can be an extension of the pull-cord810 in a further embodiment.

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a variety of bases suitable for usewith embodiments of the vehicle covering apparatus. A first end 902 of asupport member of a vehicle covering apparatus is attached to a base byany of a variety of mechanisms. For example, the first end 902 of thesupport member could have a tab which fits into a slot 918. Or, thefirst end 902 of the support member could have a slot into which a prong920 of a base fits, and the prongs could be various shapes. One base 904is of a solid, dense material so that the base is weighted in and ofitself. One base 906 has one or more spikes 908 which can anchor intothe ground. A further base 910 has multiple compartments, and into eachcompartment a weight 912 is pressed with a downward force 914, forming aweighted base. One base 916 is boltable, as by inserting bolts throughapertures in the base 916. Variations of these bases are readilydevised.

FIG. 9B is a perspective view of a further base 922 suitable for usewith embodiments of the vehicle covering apparatus. A plug 924 isremoved from the base 922, exposing an inlet to the interior of thebase, through which inlet sand or water could be poured, filling thebase 922. The support member could be attached to the base 922 by any ofa variety of mechanisms, such as bolts, screws, a clamp, adhesion,welding and so on. One attachment mechanism makes use of spikes 908 in abase 906 as shown in FIG. 9A. The spikes 908 would be inserted intoapertures 926 in the base 922. This could be in lieu of adding water tothe base 922, as water would likely leak out through these apertures926. In such a case, the spikes could extend through the bottom of thebase 922 and into the ground, providing additional support.

FIG. 10A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a cover retainersuitable for use with embodiments of the vehicle covering apparatus. Thecover retainers shown in FIGS. 10A-10D, and other cover retainers,attach to a vehicle cover 102 and couple to the second end of thesupport member in embodiments of the vehicle covering apparatus so thatthe vehicle cover 102 can be lifted and lowered. For example, the coverretainer shown in FIG. 10A has a cord 1002 tied to the cover retainer,and this cord 1002 could be secured to the second end of a supportmember of a vehicle covering apparatus or could thread through eyeletsor other routing devices on the support member.

In FIG. 10A, an attachment region of a vehicle cover 102 is trappedbetween a magnet 1006 and a plate 1004. In this embodiment, the plate1004 is ferromagnetic, e.g., it can be attracted to a magnet. In afurther embodiment, the plate 1004 could be a magnet, and the plate 1004and the magnet 1006 could be arranged with magnet poles so as to attracteach other. In a still further embodiment, the plate 1004 could be amagnet, and a ferromagnetic material could be used in place of themagnet 1006. In these embodiments, a magnet and a plate or two magnetstrap the attachment region of the vehicle cover 102. Felt material 1008or other non-scratch material is adhered to a face of the magnet facingaway from the plate 1004, so that the surface of the vehicle roof is notscratched by the magnet 1006.

FIG. 10B is a cross-section view of a variation of the cover retainer ofFIG. 10A. The magnet 1006 is located in housing 1012 made of a plasticor other nonmagnetic material. A layer of felt 1008 covers some or allof the outer surfaces of the housing 1012. The vehicle cover 102 istrapped or pinched between the magnet 1006 and the plate 1004, orbetween the housing 1012 and the plate 1004. The housing 1012 isdimensioned so as to provide a gap between the magnet 1006 and thevehicle roof 1010. Then, when the cord 1002 pulls upward on the plate1004, the magnet 1006 adheres to the plate 1004 with more force thanexerted between the magnet 1006 and the vehicle roof 1010. So, the plate1004 and magnet 1006 lift the vehicle cover 102 upward from the vehicleroof 1010, which could be steel. The gap and materials should beemployed so that the magnet is not then retained by the roof 1010, whichwould prevent the vehicle covering apparatus from lifting the vehiclecover 102.

FIG. 10C is a perspective view of the cover retainer of FIG. 10A, withthe housing 1012 separated from the top plate 1004. The housing 1012includes a compartment or depression for the magnet 1006, and a plasticor other nonmagnetic material shell. Some or all of the shell is coveredwith felt 1008. A portion of a vehicle cover 102 is shown ready to betrapped between the plate 1004 and the housing 1012.

FIG. 10D is a cross-section view of the cover retainer of FIG. 10C. Thehousing 1012 in this embodiment has a hemispherical shape, and includesa hollow or filled plastic shell with a magnet 1006 and felt covering1008. The hemispherical shape of the housing 1012 provides a greaterseparation between the magnet 1006 and the roof 1010 of the vehicle,which reduces attraction between the magnet 1006 and the vehicle roof1010.

FIG. 11A is a further embodiment of a cover retainer suitable for usewith embodiments of the vehicle covering apparatus. This cover retainerincludes a grooved puck 1102 and a slide clip 1104. The puck 1102 ispressed downward into the attachment region of the vehicle cover 102,and the clip is installed into a groove 1108 of the puck 1102 frombeneath the vehicle cover 102, i.e., from a side of the vehicle coveropposing the side into which the puck 1102 is pressed.

FIG. 11B is a cross-section view of the cover retainer of FIG. 11A. Thevehicle cover 102 is trapped between the clip 1104 and the puck 1102.The clip 1104 presses a portion of the vehicle cover 102 into the groove1108 of the puck 1102. A cord 1106 passes through an aperture in thepuck 1102. The cord 1106 has a knot securing the cord 1106 to the puck1102. In a further embodiment, an elastic member, e.g., a rubber band, abungee cord or an elastic loop, could replace the clip 1104.

FIG. 12A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a securing member1202, which can be applied to gather and secure portions of a vehiclecover 102 in embodiments of the vehicle covering apparatus. In thisembodiment, the securing member 1202 has multiple rollers 1206 arrangedin an array which could be circular, oval or polyhedral for example. Afirst cord 1208 is shown holding onto a portion of a vehicle cover 102or holding onto a cover retainer. A second cord 1210 is attached to thesecuring member 1202, and can be used to pull the securing member 1202onto and off of the vehicle cover 102. The rollers 1206 in oneembodiment are similar to beads threaded onto a circular bracelet, suchthat each of the rollers spins or rolls about a longitudinal axis, andthe longitudinal axes of the rollers are arranged in a polygon or aring.

FIG. 12B is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the securingmember 1204, shown gathering and securing a vehicle cover. The securingmember 1204 is a ring, and includes an aperture through which a portionof the vehicle cover 102 can pass. The securing member 1204 has agenerally toroidal body, and could have an outer profile that iscircular, oval, polygonal or of mixed curved and straight segments orother shapes for example. The securing member 1204 could be made of orcoated with a non-stick material, such as nylon, Teflon or various typesof plastic, or could be made of metal, ceramic, or composite material. Asmooth finish for the securing member 1204 prevents the vehicle cover102 from snagging on securing member, although other textured finishescould be used. The securing member 1204 is shown at an initial positionin the upper half of FIG. 12B, prior to gathering and securing thevehicle cover 102. The securing member 1204 is also shown in the lowerhalf of FIG. 12B at a secured position, in which the vehicle cover 102is gathered and secured by the securing member 1204.

There are at least two ways of applying the securing member 1202, 1204and variations thereof. In a first scenario, an attachment region of thevehicle cover 102 passes through the aperture of the securing member1202, 1204, followed by a further portion of the vehicle cover 102passing through the aperture, as the securing member 1202, 1204 securesthe vehicle cover 102. In a second scenario, the securing member 1202,1204 moves from the attachment region of the vehicle cover 102 to alocation farther along the gathered vehicle cover 102, with the securingmember 1202, 1204 gathering the vehicle cover as the securing membermoves. Removing the securing member 1202, 1204 from the vehicle cover102 is a matter of reversing the motion of the securing member 1202,1204 and/or the motion of the vehicle cover 102 relative to the securingmember 1202, 1204.

FIG. 12C is a perspective view of the securing member 1204 of FIG. 12B,showing aspects of an operating feature. A flexible member 616, as shownin FIG. 6, or other version of the support member of a vehicle coveringapparatus, holds the vehicle cover 102, with the support member in thefirst position as previously described. In order to pull the securingmember 1204 from the initial position to the secured position, tensionis applied to the second cord 1210, which attaches to the securingmember 1204. The cord 1210 is attached to the support member such thatthe cord 1202 is movable or slidable relative to the support member, orremovable from the support member. For example, the cord 1210 could beattached to the support member through an eyelet, a hook, an aperture, acleat etc.

The foregoing description, for the purpose of explanation, has beendescribed with reference to specific embodiments. However, theillustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or tolimit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modificationsand variations are possible in view of the above teachings. Theembodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the embodiments and its practical applications, to therebyenable others skilled in the art to best utilize the embodiments andvarious modifications as may be suited to the particular usecontemplated. Accordingly, the present embodiments are to be consideredas illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to belimited to the details given herein, but may be modified within thescope and equivalents of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A vehicle covering apparatus, comprising: asupport member having a first end and a second end, the support memberhaving a first position and a second position, wherein the second end ismore displaced from a linear alignment with the first end when thesupport member is in the second position than when the support member isin the first position, and wherein the second end is farther from thefirst end when the support member is in the first position than when thesupport member is in the second position; the support member configuredto install with the first end of the support member adjacent to avehicle, wherein the second end of the support member is generallycentered over the vehicle when the support member is in the secondposition; the second end of the support member configured to support avehicle cover with the second end of the support member at a higherelevation than the vehicle cover; and the support member configured tolower the vehicle cover as the support member is operated from the firstposition to the second position, and to raise the vehicle cover as thesupport member is operated from the second position to the firstposition.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a securingmember configured to gather the vehicle cover as the securing membermoves from an attachment region of the vehicle cover to a locationfarther along the gathered vehicle cover.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1,further comprising: a securing member having an aperture, the securingmember configured so that an attachment region of the vehicle coverpasses through the aperture followed by a further portion of the vehiclecover passing through the aperture, as the securing member secures thevehicle cover.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: asecuring member having a generally toroidal body; a cord attached to thesecuring member; and the cord attached to the support member so that thecord is, relative to the support member, one from a set consisting ofmovable, slidable, and removable.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising: a securing member having an aperture through which at leasta portion of the vehicle cover can pass; and the securing memberincluding one from a set consisting of: a plurality of rollers, a smoothfinish, and a non-stick material.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising: a base configured to retain the first end of the supportmember, the base having sufficient weight and extent so as to supportthe support member in the first position and in the second position. 7.The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: an anchor memberconfigured to attach to the support member at the first end of thesupport member, the anchor member including one from a set consistingof: a weighted base, a water-fillable base, a sand-fillable base, aboltable base, one or more spikes, a base having a plurality ofhorizontal members each extending from the first end of the supportmember, and a housing having a base.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the support member is configured to flex.
 9. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the support member includes a pivot positioned betweenthe first end and the second end, such that the second end pivotsrelative to the first end.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising: a cover retainer configured to retain the vehicle cover tothe second end of the support member, the cover retainer including onefrom a set consisting of: a magnet, a plate, a grooved puck, a slideclip, and an elastic member.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising: a cord fixedly attached to the second end of the supportmember and slidably attached to the support member at a location betweenthe first end and the second end, such that pulling the cord results inthe second end of the support member raising the vehicle cover.
 12. Anapparatus for raising and lowering a vehicle cover, comprising: aflexible member having a first end and a second end, the flexible memberconfigured to flex so that, with the first end positioned adjacent to avehicle and the second and positioned generally higher than the vehicle,the second end raises the vehicle cover up from the vehicle and lowersthe vehicle cover down towards the vehicle; and the second end of theflexible member configured to retain the vehicle cover.
 13. Theapparatus of claim 12, further comprising: the first end of the flexiblemember having an anchor mechanism configured to retain the first end ofthe flexible member adjacent to the vehicle.
 14. The apparatus of claim12, wherein the flexible member curves more as the second end lowers thevehicle cover down towards the vehicle, and curves less as the secondend raises the vehicle cover up from the vehicle.
 15. The apparatus ofclaim 12, further comprising: a tensioning member configured to apply apulling force on the second end of the flexible member to raise thevehicle cover up from the vehicle.
 16. The apparatus of claim 12,further comprising: a base; and a housing, attached to the base, thehousing having an open front, wherein the first end of the flexiblemember is retained inside the housing and the second end of the flexiblemember moves into and out of the open front of the housing.
 17. Theapparatus of claim 12, further comprising: a cord, attached to thesecond end of the flexible member; and a housing, configured so thatpulling on the cord results in the second end of the flexible membermoving into the housing and releasing the cord permits the second end ofthe flexible member to move out of the housing.
 18. The apparatus ofclaim 12, wherein the flexible member comprises one from a setconsisting of: spring steel, a flat spring, a leaf spring, a plasticmaterial, a fiberglass material, and a composite material.
 19. Theapparatus of claim 12, wherein the flexible member includes one from aset consisting of: a constant width from the first end to the secondend, a straight taper from the first end to the second end, a concavetaper from the first end to the second end, a convex taper from thefirst end to the second end, an oval cross-section, and an ellipticalcross section.
 20. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising: atensioning member having a first end and a second end, the first end ofthe tensioning member attached to the second end of the flexible member;and a raising mechanism configured to apply tension to the second end ofthe tensioning member so as to raise the vehicle cover up from thevehicle, the raising mechanism including one from a set consisting of: acrank, a pull handle, a spring, a lever, and a counterweight.